The Army Headquarters Garrison has marked its annual West African Social Activities (WASA) 2023 with colourful cultural displays and other entertaining activities.
The event aimed at sustaining unity in the barracks, promoting cultural awareness and sensitivity brought together Officers both serving and retired men of the Nigerian Army and their families to interact in a relaxed atmosphere with minimal military drills.
The Special Guest of Honour at the event, Lieutenant General Tukur Buratai rtd said there is no place that the cultural diversity of Nigeria is more well represented like the Nigerian military.
The former Chief of Army Staff called for the use of culture and tradition in promoting national security and unity, emphasising that none of the country’s cultures recognises banditry or terrorism and therefore must be extinguished.
He said; “As the Nigerian Army tries to tackle the security situation in the country both the kinetic and the non-kinetics use culture and tradition in bridging the gap in understanding our various roles. The Nigerian Army has been a source of pride to the nation and I am proud to have served as the Chief of Army Staff in the Nigerian Army.”
The Chief of Army Staff Lieutenant General Taoreed Lagbaja in his address said; “WASA is a cultural event deeply rooted in Army tradition, celebrating the end of an operating year and the beginning of another.”
General Lagbaja said the WASA event has sustained unity in diversity, foster education, and acceptability across the country and Cantonments.
According to the COAS, culture defines way of life and the awareness of cultural sensitivity and uniqueness helps the troops in the planning and execution of operations across the country.
The Army Chief said; “WASA makes cultural integration possible and foster harmonious living in units and formations, it strengthens social cohesion amongst personnel and their families.”
General Lagbaja who admitted that the the myriad of security challenges facing the country are constantly mutating, stressed that the Army and sisters services, as well as other security agencies have worked assiduously to ensure threats to national security are contained in the midst of daunting challenges.
He challenged the officers and men of the Army to be diligent and focused in containing the security challenges to allow for meaningful development in the country.
In an address of welcome, the Commander Army Headquarters Garrison Major General Koko Isoni said the Garrison having had a successful year 2023, WASA becomes part of appreciation of personnel performances in the outgone year.
The 2023 Army Headquarters Garrison WASA featured various cultural dance displays from different parts of Nigeria including Hausa, Igbo, Yoruba, Gbagyi dances.
Other exciting activities included interagency Tug-of-war, Suya competition, and the lighting of the burn fire. A total of 46 departments commanded by the Nigerian Army Headquarters Garrison took part in the 2023 WASA.
Mercy Chukwudiebere
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